49-image photo exhibition highlights iconic fight between boxing legends
Miami, FL— January 25, 2024 — This February, the Washington Ave BID (Business Improvement District) in Miami Beach is proud to partner with HistoryMiami Museum to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic bout between reigning champ Sonny Liston and up-and-coming challenger Cassius Clay—later known as Muhammad Ali—for boxing’s World Heavyweight Championship. As part of this momentous occasion, we’re showcasing the significance of this legendary fight that transformed Ali’s career and life to follow.
The festivities will kick off with a VIP invite only opening on February 22 at the site of the famed 5th Street Gym. This transformed space, spanning 8000 square feet, will feature an immersive exhibition timeline, offering insight into the life of Muhammad Ali. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a special exhibition titled, “I Shook Up the World,” curated by HistoryMiami Museum. This exhibition showcases 49 captivating images captured by Miami Herald staff photographers on the unforgettable evening of February 25, 1964, when the world witnessed the historic face-off between the two boxing legends.
“We are honored to host this tribute to Muhammad Ali, a true global icon whose influence extends far beyond the boxing ring. Washington Avenue played a pivotal role in Ali’s journey, making it a fitting location for this historic event,” said Troy Wright, Executive Director of Washington Ave BID and powerhouse producer of this tribute. “We are absolutely thrilled to have this event at the site of the legendary 5th Street Gym. We’re decking it out with such panache that attendees will truly feel they are actually getting to know Muhammad Ali all over again.”
Washington Avenue holds a special place in the history of Ali’s illustrious career. It was home to the renowned 5th Street Gym, where Ali honed his skills, and the location where he secured his first heavyweight title at The Fillmore on 17th and Washington.
Chris Barfield, HistoryMiami Director of Exhibitions, emphasizes the significance of the exhibition’s location, stating, “This historic site is where Ali trained for that seminal moment in his history. We are thrilled to bring our ‘I Shook Up the World’ exhibition to this location and invite the community to experience one of the greatest sporting events of the 20th century.”
The exhibition space will be open to the public from February 23rd through April 1st. The Washington Avenue BID invites the community, boxing enthusiasts, and admirers of Muhammad Ali from around the world to join in this momentous tribute to a man who exemplified resilience, greatness, and an enduring legacy that transcends time. Tickets for the event are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for those under 18 years of age. They can be purchased here with the event link found at www.washavemb.com.
A first look for media will take place on February 22 at 10 a.m. For inquiries, please contact Carlos Gardinet at carlos@washavemd.com or Lisa Mozloom at lisa@m.network.
About HistoryMiami Museum
HistoryMiami Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate located in downtown Miami, safeguards and shares Miami stories to foster learning, inspire a sense of place, and cultivate an engaged community. We accomplish this through education, collections, research, exhibitions, publications, and City Tours. Now celebrating our 80th anniversary, the museum is a 70,000-square-foot facility and home to more than two million historical images and 30,000 three-dimensional artifacts, including a 1920s trolley car, artifacts from Pan American World Airways, and rafts that brought refugees to Miami. For more information, call 305-375-1492 or visit historymiami.org.
About Washington Ave BID
The Washington Ave BID is a leading organization dedicated to the revitalization and promotion of the Washington Avenue district in Miami Beach. By fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses, the BID aims to create a vibrant and thriving neighborhood.